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File: 970101_sep96_decls28_0016.txt
Subject: STATUS OF USAMRDC CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE
Unit: OTSG
Parent Organization: HSC
Box ID: BX003201
Folder Title: STATUS OF USAMRDC CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE SUPPORT
Document Number: 1001
Folder Seq #: 67
This unclassified account is drawn completely from openly reported information,
such as the series of 3 United Nations investigations and more recent consistent press
reports. A classified threat briefing will also be presented as part of this course.
'ne United Nations documented Iraqi use of the nerve agent tabun (GA) and
extensive use of the blister agent sulfur mustard (HD). The use of sulfur mustard, an
old World War I agent, accounted for the great majority of the over 45,000 chemical
casualties openly reported for both sides in the Gulf War. 'Me nerve agent sarin (GB)
has also been reported openly as an Iraqi chenical agent. Although Iraq has the
capability to use cyanide (AC), cyanide's potential to harm soldiers with any forzn of
effective mask is marginal because of the relatively high concentrations of cyanide
required to cause injury.
Iraq made the first openly reported use in warfare of the nerve agent GF during
the Gulf War. GF is similar in toxicity and characteristics to sarin (GB). However, the
use of pyridostigmine pretreatment provides a definite advantage in medical defense
against GF, whereas it is not needed for medical protection against GB.
Based on its Gulf War experience, Iraq considers chemical warfare to be a normal
part of its combat operations. Before 1986, its use of chemical agents was primarily
defensive, as an "assault breaker" to protect against attacks such as those by masses of
Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Starting in 1986 Iraq began to employ chemical agents in
the offense with growing skill. It followed Soviet practice of using a nonpersistent agent
such as GB along its axis of advance, while using a persistent agent such as HD to seal
flanks of a penetration against reinforcement, and to disrupt rear operations in areas
its troops were not expected to traverse.
Iraq initially required considerable outside expert assistance to build its chemical
capability. It now has its own experts and production base to sustain a high output of
chemical agents.
Iraqi chemical delivery means include aerial bombs and spray tanks, long range
missiles such as the variants of the SCUD, cannon artillery, and multiple-launch short
range rocket systems (MLRS). The most credible sustained Iraqi chemical threat is
within the 25 to 40 km range of its extensive inventory of chemical-capable cannon
artillery and MLRS systems. Iraq is also known to possess mines with chemical agent
fills.
In general, Iraq's use of chemical warfare agents had its greatest effects against
unprotected civilians and poorly trained and equipped irregular forces. Iraq had much
less success in using chemical warfare against Iranian regular forces, whose chemical
defense capabilities were similar to our own.
5
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Document 24 f:/Week-36/BX003201/STATUS OF USAMRDC CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE SUPPORT/status of usamrdc chemical casualty care:12249609312729
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003201
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = STATUS OF USAMRDC CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE SUPPORT
Folder Seq # = 67
Subject = STATUS OF USAMRDC CHEMICAL CASUALTY CARE
Document Seq # = 1001
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 24-DEC-1996